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CTF 151 Strengthens Partnerships, Stresses Cooperation

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090604-06
Release Date: 6/4/2009 3:29:00 PM

By Lt. John Fage, Combined Task Force 151 Public Affairs

USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea (NNS) -- The commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 visited the British frigate HMS Portland (F79) and the Republic of Korea's (ROK) Munmu the Great (DDG 976) recently to discuss counterpiracy operations.

"Portland and her crew have done an excellent job in the fight against piracy, and we're certainly grateful to have her services again," said Turkish Rear Adm. Caner Bener. "They were one of the first ships to participate in CTF 151 and have many a major contribution to counterpiracy operations in the area."

Portland served as part of CTF 151 in January when the task force was comprised of USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS Mahan (DDG 72). The task force has undergone significant changes since that time.

"Having been part of the start of the task force in January, I am struck by how much has been achieved in such a short time," said Cmdr. Timothy Henry, Portland's commanding officer. "From the early days, when CTF 151 was comprised of two nations and three ships, it has grown to become a true reflection of the international community's desire to address the problem of piracy."

Portland is nearing the end of an eight-month deployment to the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Area of Operations.

Bener also met with Capt. Jang Sung-Woo, commanding officer of ROK Task Group Chung-Hae, embarked on Munmu the Great. Munmu the Great is the first ROK navy warship to be deployed to the Middle East since the establishment of the Korean Navy 64 years ago.

"Having our friends from Korea as part of CTF 151 is a great pleasure," said Bener. "As a newer force in the region, the ROK Navy has given us a fresh outlook on the centuries-old problem of piracy. We're honored to have them aboard."

CTF 151 is a Turkish-led multinational task force established to conduct counterpiracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the CMF Area of Responsibility to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations.